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They said: "The SAS are expected to undertake incredibly dangerous missions around the world.

“They are professional killers – that’s the job. So what if they wear a skull on their uniform."

The source added the order had gone down "really badly" among the soldiers - particularly those in G Squadron - but said not all troops were wearing the skulls.

Troops are believed to have been told the badge could be 'upsetting to other units' while cause disrespect to enemy forces and lead to war crimes by foreign troops the SAS works with in Iraq and Afghanistan.

American elite troops adopted a version of the logo as an unofficial badge after it first appeared in the Marvel comic series Punisher - which has been made into a Netflix series.

The source added the badge was not a celebration of killing but rather a recognition of the hard work and dedication to put them in a position where their own life might be at risk.

The Punisher is a Marvel comic series on Netflix and features a skull motif which has been adopted by British and American elite forces (Image: Internet Unknown)

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The badge has been designed specifically for the SAS and is usually worn on the helmet or on the front of the soldier's body armour.

A former sergeant described the decision as 'completely ludicrous'.

He told the Star: "The Ministry of Defence should be doing everything in its power to support the SAS, not messing around telling them what they can and can’t wear on operations. This is politically correct nonsense and it ludicrous."

The Ministry of Defence told the Mirror it would not comment on issues relating to special forces.